Somerville allows home occupations as accessory uses when incidental to residential use, with no external impacts, per Somerville Zoning Ordinance rules on signage, employees, and visits.
Under the Somerville Zoning Ordinance (SZO), a home occupation is an accessory use permitted in residential districts provided it is clearly incidental and subordinate to the dwelling. The business must be conducted entirely within the dwelling by residents, with limits on non-resident employees (typically one or none depending on district). No external evidence of the business is allowed beyond a small permitted sign. Retail sales, vehicle repair, and uses generating traffic, noise, odor, or hazardous materials are prohibited. Client visits may be restricted by appointment only. Home occupations require registration with Inspectional Services and may need a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals for more intensive uses. Business owners must also obtain a Massachusetts DBA certificate from the Somerville City Clerk if operating under a trade name.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle home occupation permits.
See how Somerville's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
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